OKGOP convention censures 4 GOP senators who killed bill to abolish abortion

Oklahoma Republican Party activists gathered this past weekend to elect new leadership and advance new party business at the biennial state convention. Among the items passed by convention delegates was a censure of four Republican state senators for voting in the Senate judiciary committee to against a bill to end abortion in Oklahoma.

Yes, after decades of pro-life pledges and bills, it's Republicans (allegedly 'conservative' and '100% pro-life', to boot) that are standing in the way of abolishing abortion in our state and ending the continued post-Dobbs slaughter of preborn human beings.

New OKC Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

State leaders and Ronald McDonald House Charities staff shovel dirt at the ceremonial groundbreaking of the second RMHC location. (Photo by Maddy Remington, OMES Outreach.)

New Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2, 2025) – A brighter future is on the horizon for families with hospitalized children, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and key state partners. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is proud to recognize this exciting milestone as construction begins on a second Ronald McDonald House in Oklahoma City.

The new facility, located in the heart of the city’s medical district, will offer a home away from home for up to 28 families each night, providing comfort, care and critical support during some of life’s most challenging moments.

On April 3, a crowd of community leaders, RMHC staff, families, supporters and elected officials gathered to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking. This expansion will significantly increase RMHC-OKC’s capacity to serve families whose children are battling serious illnesses or injuries, reinforcing a vital support network that spans the state.

The new location is made possible in part by a $4 million appropriation from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA-SLFRF), granted by the state Legislature to OSDH. Combined with generous contributions from private donors, this funding will ensure more Oklahoma families can stay close to their loved ones while accessing top-tier pediatric care.

“When a child faces a critical health challenge, the entire family carries the weight,” said Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, who serves in the state Legislature’s Health and Human Services Working Group for the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “As a veteran, father and grandfather, I know the strength families draw from being together in times of crisis. This expansion will offer that strength to even more Oklahoma families by providing a sense of home when it’s needed most.”

“The new Ronald McDonald House will provide comfort, stability and support to families facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” said Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, who attended the groundbreaking and serves on the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “I’m proud to see this investment help expand access to compassionate care for families throughout Oklahoma.”

More than just a place to stay

When a child is in the hospital, families shouldn’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep or how they’ll afford a hotel room. Ronald McDonald House offers more than free housing – it provides a place of refuge. Families staying at the facility will have access to a full kitchen, laundry services, technology and play areas, making it easier to focus on what truly matters: their children’s recovery.

Perhaps the most powerful component of the Ronald McDonald House experience is the community. Staff, volunteers and fellow families provide vital emotional support and connection, turning a stressful, isolating experience into one of shared strength.

In 2023 alone, RMHC-OKC served 778 families across 76 Oklahoma counties, delivering 12,161 nights of stay. The upcoming location – nestled on West Memorial Road between North Meridian Avenue and North MacArthur Boulevard – will support families receiving care at Mercy Hospital, the Love Family Women’s Center, INTEGRIS Hospital and Bethany Children’s Health Center, and will serve as overflow for Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health.

Renderings of the proposed location provided by the architect, Bockus Payne.

The three-story facility is expected to open in summer 2026.

OMES applauds the unwavering dedication of OSDH and RMHC in bringing this project to life and for their continued efforts to promote healing and remove barriers to essential health care support for families across Oklahoma.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Since its founding in 1974, Ronald McDonald House Charities has helped millions of families around the world stay close to their hospitalized children. The first Oklahoma City House opened in 1984 with just 10 bedrooms. Today, the need continues to grow – and so does RMHC’s impact. To learn more or get involved, visit rmhc-okc.org.

Left: An attendee holds the shovel from the opening of the very first Ronald McDonald House in the United States. Right: Attendees gather for photos with the golden shovels previously used to break ground.

Senate leaders comment on passage of state budget

Pro Tem Treat, Appropriations Chair Sen. Hall Comment on Passage of Budget Bill

Senate Bill 1125 first in new budget transparency process 

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 28th) – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, and his Appropriations Chairman, Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, today released the following statements after the state budget bill for Fiscal Year 2025 passed off the Senate floor this morning.

Senate Bill 1125 passed off the Senate floor 31-11.

Wow: Pro Tem Treat replaces Senate Appropriations chair in final month of session

Well, this was very unexpected. Treat canned Senate budget chairman Roger Thompson in the final month of the legislative session, approaching the height of budget negotiations...

Pro Tem Treat Announces Senate Appropriations Chairman Change

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today announced a change to his appropriations chairman.

Pro Tem Treat has selected Senator Chuck Hall, R-Perry, to replace Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, as his appropriations chairman.

Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, will now serve as appropriations vice chair.

Stitt, leaders clarify OK kids not required to get COVID vax to attend public school

GOVERNOR STITT, COMMISSIONER REED CLARIFY KIDS IN OKLAHOMA NOT REQUIRED TO GET COVID VACCINE TO ATTEND SCHOOL

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct.20, 2022) – Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved adding the COVID-19 vaccine to childhood immunization schedules.

“Regardless of what the CDC in Washington says, nothing changes in Oklahoma and kids are not required to get a COVID vaccine to attend school,” said Governor Stitt. “It’s up to parents to decide how to protect their child from viruses and as long as I am governor, we will never force kids to get a COVID vaccine to go to school.”

Task force recommends expanding SoonerCare maternity and postpartum services

Read below for press releases from Governor Stitt and Senate leadership supporting a recommendation to expand SoonerCare maternity and postpartum services:

GOVERNOR STITT’S H.E.L.P. TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS EXPANDING SOONERCARE COVERAGE FOR PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM SERVICE

State Senate passes bill allowing autonomous vehicles to drive on Oklahoma roads

Senate approves bill allowing autonomous vehicles to operate on public roads

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Paul Rosino has won full Senate approval for a measure allowing autonomous vehicles (AVs) to operate on Oklahoma roads.  Senate Bill 1541 creates the framework for the state to regulate AVs, protecting the public and roadways.

Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, said 19 states already allow AVs, with 20 more allowing testing.  So far, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas are among those states that have already approved similar language regulating AVs and allowing them to operate without a driver.

Cabinet secretaries, legislators follow Stitt in donating convalescent plasma to fight COVID-19

CABINET SECRETARIES, LEGISLATORS ANSWER GOVERNOR STITT’S CALL TO DONATE CONVALESCENT PLASMA TO HELP FIGHT COVID-19  

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 11, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that cabinet secretaries and state legislators who have recovered from COVID-19 have answered his call for convalescent plasma donations and will be making donations at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Oklahoma Blood Institute, 901 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

Scheduled donors include:

State Sen. Paul Rosino issues statement after testing positive for COVID-19

Senator Paul Rosino Statement on COVID-19

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Senator Paul Rosino on Tuesday said he is recovering and doing well after testing positive for COVID-19. Rosino was not present at the Senate last week, nor was he among the senators or Senate personnel who underwent testing on Tuesday, March 17, after a Senate staffer tested positive for COVID-19.

Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, said as soon has he began feeling unwell Sunday (March 15) he strictly followed the recommendations of public health officials to stay home, self-isolate and contact a doctor. Testing done by Rosino’s private physician later confirmed the senator’s diagnosis. Rosino said he was last at the Capitol on Thursday, March 12, and he felt well at that time.

“I want to thank everyone who has reached out to inquire about me. I am doing well and feel much better. I’m glad I followed the health professionals’ advice to the tee. That’s what we all need to do now:  stay home if we feel sick, isolate and seek care from a doctor. Doing that, we can all be well, let the health care heroes focus on the critically ill, and do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Rosino, R-Oklahoma City.

Rosino said he plans to continue working remotely from his home. He encourages residents of Senate District 45 to reach out to his office for help with any issues.

“I’m following the doctor’s guidelines and will continue to do so. While I’m at home, though, I’m still working to take care of issues for Senate District 45 residents. I’m also collaborating with Senate colleagues and state government partners as we address health care issues and other important topics related to this health care crisis,” he said.

Treat announces new Senate HHS committee chair, other leadership changes

Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat announces new HHS committee chair, other leadership changes

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Friday announced leadership changes made necessary due to the recent resignation of a member of the Senate.

“With a new legislative session drawing upon us, I am making these changes so the Senate can seamlessly move forward with our role in the legislative process. I am very confident in the members stepping into these new leadership roles and know they will do a great job for the Senate and the people of Oklahoma,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Treat said he has named Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, to serve as the new chair of the Senate Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee to replace Sen. Jason Smalley, who had served as chairman but has resigned from the Senate effective January 31. Treat has named Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, to replace McCortney as vice chair of the HHS committee. McCortney previously served as chair of the Rules Committee but will relinquish that role to serve as the new HHS committee chair.

Treat has named Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, the new chair of the Senate Rules Committee. Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, will remain vice chairman of the Rules Committee.

Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, will fill the vacancy on the Senate Education Committee, Treat said.

Additionally, Treat announced the appointment of Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, as an assistant floor leader to replace Sen. Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma City, who has stepped down from that leadership position. Bice will remain chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

The resignation also created a vacancy in the position of Republican Caucus chair. Treat said Republicans will hold an election in the coming days to select a new caucus chair.

Senate Pro Tem Treat makes Office of Juvenile Affairs board appointment

Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat announces OJA board appointment

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Thursday announced his appointment of Sidney Ellington of Oklahoma City to the board of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Ellington currently serves as executive director of the American Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma. He previously served as executive director of the Warrior-School Project, a non-profit organization that provided educational services for military veterans leaving service to pursue college degrees. Ellington also served as a teacher in New Orleans in the Teach for America program and as director of a veterans’ outreach and support initiative for Teach for America. He also planned and spearheaded for the Louisiana Department of Education a city-wide truancy reduction program for New Orleans.

Ellington served in the U.S. Navy, retiring after 20 years as a Navy SEAL officer. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a doctorate, in political science all from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of several community service organizations, including the Knights of Columbus Council, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War, and the Teach for America Alumni Association. He received the 2016 American Legion National Education Award. Past award winners include First Ladies Barbara Bush and Laura Bush, and Tom Brokaw, Fred Rogers, and Bob Keeshan.

“The Office of Juvenile Affairs is on the frontlines of helping youth and families involved in the justice system. Sid Ellington is a successful leader and has demonstrated the desire and ability, whether as a member of Teach for America or as a Navy SEAL, to help others succeed. We need people to partner with the leadership and staff at OJA to help change the future of youth involved in the justice system and I know Sid Ellington will do just that. I appreciate his willingness to step up and serve the state of Oklahoma,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, commended the selection of Ellington and said he brings a great work ethic and skillset to the OJA board.

“Sid is a leader who passionately cares about others and always works to help get the best out of his team. His experience as an educator, in the non-profit world, and as a member of our U.S. Navy makes him a great pick for the OJA board and I know that he’ll do a great job. I wish him all the best,” Rosino said.

Ellington’s appointment is effective January 1, Treat said. Ellington will replace Tony Caldwell, who serves as chairman of the OJA board and is resigning at the end of December. Caldwell was first appointed to the board in 2015.

“Tony Caldwell’s dedication to OJA and its mission is commendable. I want to thank Tony for his years of distinguished service on the OJA board,” Treat said.

Democrats flip SD37, GOP holds HD76 and SD45

Three legislative special elections were held today - House District 76 (vacated by Rep. David Brumbaugh's death), Senate District 37 (vacated by Sen. Dan Newberry resigning for a private sector job), and Senate District 45 (vacated by Sen. Kyle Loveless' resignation over campaign finance violations).

All three seats were Republican-held. Democrats last won SD37 in 1996 (although Nancy Riley switched from Republican to Democrat in the middle of her final term in 2006), SD45 in 1976, and never in HD76.

In HD76 (Republican District Rating of 61.9), Republican Ross Ford won with 68.35% of the vote . In SD45 (RDR of 59.5), Republican Paul Rosino got 56.78% of the vote.

In a nailbiter of a race in SD37 (RDR of 57.6), Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman defeated Republican Brian O'Hara by 31 votes, 2234 (50.35%) to 2203 (49.65%). The vote was close enough that O'Hara might seek a recount; either way, due to Newberry's resignation date being January 31st, 2018, the winner won't be sworn in until February 1st, 2018.

Ikley-Freeman (a therapist at a nonprofit mental health agency) defeated O'Hara (a former Jenks city councilor and district director for Cong. Bridenstine) by virtue of receiving 60 more votes on election day, while O'Hara led the absentee and early voting total by 29. Ikley-Freeman becomes the third openly homosexual individual (she is married to another lesbian) to be elected to the Oklahoma Legislature, and the first outside of the HD88/SD46 area in Oklahoma City.

Democrats have now won 4 of the 7 special elections held this year (HD46, HD75, SD37, SD44).

Rosino gains GOP nomination in SD45, Ford in HD76

Primaries were held today for the special elections in House District 76 and Senate District 45.

In HD76, vacated by the death of Rep. David Brumbaugh, Republican Ross Ford eeked out a 19-vote victory over Rep. Brumbaugh's widow Shelley, winning 30.76% to 29.85%. A third candidate received 28.52%, with two others in single digits. Democrat Chris VanLandingham took 54.18% in a two-way Democratic primary.

In SD45, vacated by Sen. Kyle Loveless, Paul Rosino emerged victorious out of 7 GOP candidates, gathering 32.61% to the nearest competitor's 21.12%. He will face Democrat Steven Vincent, who defeated his one opponent with 92.22% of the Democratic primary vote.

The general election for both races will be held on November 14th.